Northern Pike Fishing in Michigan
Check regulations
Check regulations
Year-round
Overview
Both Upper and Lower Peninsulas offer quality pike fishing in lakes, rivers, and Great Lakes bays.
Burt Lake and Mullett Lake in the northern Lower Peninsula are top pike destinations.
Ice fishing for pike is wildly popular—tip-ups with shiners produce consistent action.
Pike in Michigan rivers often hold in slow pools near weed beds and log jams.
Best Waters in Michigan
- Burt Lake — Cheboygan County lake with trophy pike potential and deep, clear water. Weed beds along shorelines hold fish.
- Mullett Lake — Connected to Burt Lake via the Inland Waterway, offering similar pike quality on rock and weed structure.
- Houghton Lake — Largest inland lake in Michigan with good pike numbers in vast weed beds.
- Manistique Lake — Upper Peninsula lake with excellent pike fishing and light fishing pressure.
Local Techniques & Baits
Techniques
- Casting spoons
- Trolling crankbaits
- Spinnerbaits in weeds
- Tip-up with live bait
- Fly fishing with streamers
Baits & Lures
- Daredevle spoon
- Rapala Husky Jerk
- Mepps Aglia #5
- Live golden shiners (6-8 inches)
- Dead smelt
Seasonal Guide for Michigan
SpringSpring Fishing
Pike are shallow and aggressive after ice-out. Target dark-bottom bays and emerging weed growth with spinnerbaits.
SummerSummer Fishing
Deeper weed edges in 10-20 feet hold pike during warm weather. Trolling and casting weed lines are effective.
FallFall Fishing
Aggressive feeding in weedy shallows and along drop-offs. Large spoons and jerkbaits produce quality fish.
WinterWinter Fishing
Tip-up fishing is extremely popular across the state. Target weed edges and river mouths on iced-over lakes.
Regulations
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Michigan Fish & Wildlife. Information shown was last updated 2025-01-01.
Specific regulations for northern pike in Michigan are not listed in our database. Please check the official Michigan regulations for current rules.